Trump revokes protections for former Secretary of State Pompeo and top Iran aide

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has revoked government security protection for former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his top aide, Brian Hook. Pompeo and Hook have faced threats from Iran since they took hard-line stances on the Islamic Republic during Trump’s first administration. A congressional staffer and a person familiar with the matter on Thursday confirmed the change but could not offer an explanation. They said Pompeo and Hook were told of the loss of protection on Wednesday. A day earlier, the Republican president revoked the security clearance and Secret Service protection from John Bolton, who was fired as Trump’s national security adviser during his first term.

Aerial attack helps firefighters maintain the upper hand on a huge fire north of LA

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Firefighters are battling to maintain the upper hand on a huge and rapidly moving wildfire that swept through rugged mountains north of Los Angeles. A fire spokesperson says the blaze didn’t grow much overnight. Aerial water drops are helping in that fight, even as dangerous winds whipped up again Thursday. Meanwhile, about 50 miles to the southwest in Ventura County, a new fire prompted the evacuation of California State University Channel Islands in Camarillo. The National Weather Service says gusty weather is expected to last into Friday and that rain is possible starting Saturday.

Senate advances Pete Hegseth as Trump’s defense secretary

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has advanced the nomination of Pete Hegseth as President Donald Trump’s defense secretary. Thursday’s vote pushed Hegseth toward confirmation, despite grave objections from Democrats and stirring unease among Republicans over his behavior and qualifications to lead the U.S. military. Two Republicans, Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, broke ranks to oppose Hegseth. The former combat veteran and Fox News host faces allegations of excessive drinking and aggressive actions toward women, which he has denied. A final confirmation vote is expected Friday.

Purdue Pharma and owners to pay $7.4B in settlement to lawsuits over the toll of OxyContin

(AP) — Members of the Sackler family who own OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma, and the company itself, agreed to pay up to $7.4 billion to settle lawsuits over the toll of the powerful prescription painkiller. The deal announced Thursday represents an increase over a previous settlement deal. The earlier one was rejected last year by the U.S. Supreme Court. The court ruled the earlier version improper because it protected members of the wealthy family from civil lawsuits over OxyContin — even though the family members themselves were not in bankruptcy. Besides this deal, there have been about $50 billion in opioid settlements announced in recent years.